The Central Coast Community College is supporting Lake Macquarie’s young people through skills training opportunities in collaboration with the NSW Educational Pathways Program (EPP).
The recent initiatives implemented through the EPP have allowed the College to deliver a number of programs from the Gateshead Trade Training Centre, including the upcoming Head Start Pre-Apprenticeship courses for the Lake Macquarie group of schools.
Central Coast Community College General Manager, Debbie Laarkamp said that the Educational Pathways Program initiatives provide an essential link between secondary school and employment through vocational education and training (VET).
“Through our ongoing collaboration with the NSW Department of Education, the College has been able to provide skills training opportunities for students in the Lake Macquarie region and encourage them to explore hands-on careers through VET pathways,” Debbie said.
“These programs are key to meeting the needs of the community and contributing to the growth of skilled workers in the region.”
Head Teacher Careers for EPP Lake Macquarie, Cassandra Wells commented that the initiatives are increasing students’ and parents’ awareness of career pathways available through VET.
“The Educational Pathways Program is enabling students to create aspiration and engage with the local workforce before leaving school and transitioning into employment,” Cassandra said.
“We have a strong partnership with the Central Coast Community College, as well as local Group Training Organisations, who have been supporting students to achieve successful outcomes.
“In 2022, a number of students gained school-based apprenticeships and traineeships after participating in EPP initiatives, such as the Head Start Pre-Apprenticeship/Traineeship courses.
“The Lake Macquarie group of schools are lucky to have Merran Wiggins as the EPP SBAT Engagement Officer, who supports the students, parents, and employers throughout the journey of successfully transitioning into a school-based placement.
“After the success of the recent Girls Can Too program delivered with the Central Coast
Community College, EPP Lake Macquarie will be delivering White Card training for these students and have also been approved to offer a Head Start Pre-Apprenticeship course for female students interested in the electrical and engineering fields.
“This course will be delivered in August for 15 female students, with students from six Lake Macquarie high schools already registering their interest for the program.”
As well as supporting programs in Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast Community College also has campus locations in Ourimbah and Rutherford and deliver a range of NSW Government funded courses for the community, as well as partnering with HVTC to provide training for apprentices and trainees across NSW.
“As part of the HVTC Group, the Central Coast Community College can facilitate successful outcomes for students, guiding them from school to further education and then employment opportunities through apprenticeship and traineeship pathways with our GTO,” Debbie said.
“We’re excited to be collaborating with HVTC to again deliver training for the HVTC Skills Compass Pre-Apprenticeship program in 2023, which commences in August.”
